The iPod generation in stitches
Young people discover a traditional domestic art tailor-made for them – sewing.
from the May 1, 2007 edition
Page 3 of 3
The majority of people who come to Stitch are like Pavli: urban professional women ranging in age from 20 to 40. About 10 percent are men.
At first Meng and her partners thought that the bulk of their business would come from machine rentals. But many wanted classes. Moreover, roughly 25 percent of those who take a beginning course continue on with more advanced classes, such as one called "zippers, casings, and buttonholes, oh my!"
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On a crisp San Francisco morning, Hannah McDevitt is taking a novice class through a review of the sewing machine and basic stitching techniques. Then it's on to the flat-felled seam, a common joint similar to the stitching found on the side of jeans. After a brief demonstration, the students are on their own with their bobbins.
"I cut it a little close," says Ms. Kelley, inspecting her piece of white muslin "practice" fabric, laced with two lines of blue stitching.
As the students ply their skills, Ms. McDevitt circles the tables providing tips and encouragement. A sewer since she was 9, McDevitt also knits, crochets, and quilts. She's enjoying watching sewing's renaissance from her perch beside the bolts of fabric. "I love it when people are just thrilled to be making something," she says.
One who has turned out to be a quick study is Khan. After just a couple of classes, she's able to make small clothing items, such as a white shrug. "It didn't take that long and people loved it," she says.
The women in the basics class this morning are taking on a new challenge, too – a pillow. At the cutting table, the student seamstresses pick through fabric remnants. Pavli chooses a simple design that will use two green swatches. Another student opts for a yellow woven fabric with a paisley print sash, complete with a button.
They carefully cut out their pillows, pinning all the pieces together. Then it's back to the machine for top stitching, a bit of stuffing, and then the final seam to close the hole. When the class is over, each one leaves, pillow proudly in hand. "I loved it," says Pavli. "It really gave me confidence."
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